Report Code : CVMI2603252601428 | Published Date : March 30, 2025

1 | Market Overview

The global chitosan market is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by its diverse uses in water treatment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and food industries. Derived from shells of crustaceans such as shrimp and crabs, chitosan is a biopolymer known for its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxic properties.

The growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable materials, combined with increasing uses in wound care, drug delivery, and wastewater treatment, is driving market expansion. Furthermore, advances in biomedical applications, nanotechnology, and agriculture are broadening chitosan’s commercial potential.

 

2 | Market Size and Forecast

Year

Market Value (USD Billion)

Notes

2019

7.92

Historical benchmark

2024

13.28

Five-year CAGR 10.9%

2031

31.62

Seven-year CAGR 13.0%

The market is expected to more than double by 2031, supported by growth in water treatment, healthcare, and bio-based industries.

 

3 | Key Market Drivers

  • Rising Demand for Eco-Friendly Biopolymers.
  • Growing Applications in Water Treatment and Wastewater Management.
  • Expanding Use in Pharmaceuticals for Drug Delivery and Wound Healing.
  • Growth in Agriculture for Seed Coating and Plant Growth Enhancers.
  • Adoption in Cosmetics for Skin Repair and Anti-Aging Products.

 

4 | Market Challenges

  • Fluctuating Raw Material Supply Due to Seasonal Shellfish Harvest.
  • High Production Costs in Certain Regions.
  • Allergen Concerns Related to Shellfish-Derived Products.
  • Limited Commercial Awareness in Some Industrial Sectors.

 

5 | Competitive Landscape

The chitosan market is moderately fragmented, with companies focusing on expanding production capacities and diversifying applications.

Market Share Estimates (2024):

Company

Estimated Market Share

Key Offerings

Primex ehf

18%

ChitoCare®, pharmaceutical and cosmetic-grade chitosan

Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH

15%

High-purity biomedical chitosan

KitoZyme S.A.

13%

Non-animal chitosan for food, cosmetics, and healthcare

Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical

12%

Industrial and medical-grade chitosan

Others (Advanced Biopolymers, Qingdao Yunzhou, regional OEMs)

42%

Agricultural, water treatment, and specialty applications

 

6 | Market Segmentation
By Grade:

  • Industrial Grade
  • Pharmaceutical Grade
  • Food Grade
  • Cosmetic Grade

By Application:

  • Water Treatment
  • Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
  • Cosmetics & Personal Care
  • Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
  • Food & Beverage
  • Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)

By Region:

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa

 

7 | Strategic Outlook
Future growth in the chitosan market will be driven by technological innovations in nanotechnology, the development of non-animal-derived chitosan, bio-based packaging, and rising investments in sustainable water treatment infrastructure. Expansion in emerging markets will be fueled by environmental regulations and the demand for sustainable solutions.






Reasons To Buy

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Scope

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Key Players

  • Panvo Organics Pvt. Ltd.  
  • KitoZyme S.A.  
  • KIMICA Corporation
  • Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH  
  • Meron Biopolymers
  • GTC Bio Corporation  
  • DuPont / FMC Corporation  
  • Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd.  
  • Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co., Ltd.  
  • Primex EHF (Primex ehf)  
  • Golden‑Shell Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.   
  • Advanced Biopolymers AS  
  • Biophrame Technologies
  • United Chitotechnologies Inc.  
  • Austanz Chitin Pty Ltd

Chitosan Market Report



  1. 1. Chitosan Market Research Report
    1. 1.1 Study Objectives
    2. 1.2 Chitosan Market - Overview
    3. 1.3 Reason to Read This Report
    4. 1.4 Methodology and Forecast Analysis
  2. 2. Chitosan Market Research Report - Preface
    1. 2.1 Chitosan Market Research Report – Detailed Scope and Definitions
      1. 2.1.1 By Grade:
      2. 2.1.2 By Application:
      3. 2.1.3 By Region
  3. 3. Chitosan Market Dynamics
    1. 3.1. Drivers - Macro-Economic Based, Supply Side, and Demand Side Drivers
    2. 3.2. Restraints – By Grade:, By Application:, By Country
    3. 3.3. Opportunities – By Grade:, By Application:, By Country
    4. 3.4. Trends – By Grade:, By Application:, By Country
    5. 3.5. PEST Analysis
    6. 3.6. Porters Five Rule Analysis
    7. 3.7. Company’s Share Analysis (CSA) by Region or By Country
    8. 3.8. Chitosan Market Research Report – DROTs Impact Analysis
    1. 4. Chitosan Market Research Report, Historic Data 2019 - 2023 and Forecast Analysis Data 2024 - 2031
    2. 4.1. Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 4.2. Annual Market Trend Assessment – Year-on-Year (YoY) Growth Analysis (%)
    4. 4.3. Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031
    5. 4.4. Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
  1. 5. Chitosan Market, By Grade:, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 5.1 Industrial Grade
    2. 5.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 5.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    4. 5.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    5. 5.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. 5.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
    7. 5.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    8. 5.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    9. 5.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    10. 5.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    11. 5.3 Food Grade
    12. 5.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    13. 5.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    14. 5.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    15. 5.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    16. 5.4 Cosmetic Grade
    17. 5.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    18. 5.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    19. 5.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    20. 5.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. Chitosan Market, By Application:, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 6.1 Water Treatment
    2. 6.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    3. 6.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    4. 6.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    5. 6.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    6. 6.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
    7. 6.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    8. 6.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    9. 6.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    10. 6.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    11. 6.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
    12. 6.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    13. 6.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    14. 6.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    15. 6.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    16. 6.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
    17. 6.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    18. 6.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    19. 6.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    20. 6.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    21. 6.5 Food & Beverage
    22. 6.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    23. 6.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    24. 6.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    25. 6.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
    26. 6.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
    27. 6.6.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
    28. 6.6.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
    29. 6.6.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
    30. 6.6.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
  1. 7. Chitosan Market Forecast, By Region, 2019 - 2023 and 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 7.1 North America
      1. 7.1.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.1.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.1.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.1.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.2 Europe
      1. 7.2.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.2.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.2.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.2.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.3 Asia-Pacific
      1. 7.3.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.3.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.3.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.3.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.4 Latin America
      1. 7.4.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.4.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.4.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.4.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.5 Middle East and Africa
      1. 7.5.1 Market Performance Review & Future Outlook: Assessing 2019 - 2023 and Predicting 2024 - 2031 Trends (USD Millions)
      2. 7.5.2 Annual Market Trend Assessment – Yearly Growth Observation (Y-O-Y)(%)
      3. 7.5.3 Incremental Market Value/Volume Opportunity between 2019 - 2023 and From 2024 to 2031
      4. 7.5.4 Market Shares Analysis in Years - 2019, 2023, 2024 and 2031
      7.6 Chitosan Market - Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Region, 2024 - 2031
  1. 8. North America Chitosan Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 8.1 By Grade: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.1.1 Industrial Grade
      2. 8.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. 8.1.3 Food Grade
      4. 8.1.4 Cosmetic Grade
      8.2 By Application: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.2.1 Water Treatment
      2. 8.2.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
      3. 8.2.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
      4. 8.2.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
      5. 8.2.5 Food & Beverage
      6. 8.2.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
      8.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 8.3.1 United States
      2. 8.3.2 Canada
    2. 8.4 North America Chitosan Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 8.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 8.6 North America Chitosan Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 8.6.1 Company 1 (United States)
      2. 8.6.2 Company 2 (Canada)
      3. 8.6.3 Company 3 (Canada)
    9. Europe Chitosan Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 9.1 By Grade: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.1.1 Industrial Grade
      2. 9.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. 9.1.3 Food Grade
      4. 9.1.4 Cosmetic Grade
      9.2 By Application: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.2.1 Water Treatment
      2. 9.2.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
      3. 9.2.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
      4. 9.2.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
      5. 9.2.5 Food & Beverage
      6. 9.2.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
      9.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 9.3.1 Germany
      2. 9.3.2 United Kingdom
      3. 9.3.3 France
      4. 9.3.4 Spain
      5. 9.3.5 Italy
      6. 9.3.6 Russia
    2. 9.4 Europe Chitosan Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 9.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 9.6 Europe Chitosan Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 9.6.1 Company 1 (Germany)
      2. 9.6.2 Company 2 (United Kingdom)
      3. 9.6.3 Company 3 (United Kingdom)
    10. Asia-Pacific Chitosan Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 10.1 By Grade: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.1.1 Industrial Grade
      2. 10.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. 10.1.3 Food Grade
      4. 10.1.4 Cosmetic Grade
      10.2 By Application: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.2.1 Water Treatment
      2. 10.2.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
      3. 10.2.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
      4. 10.2.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
      5. 10.2.5 Food & Beverage
      6. 10.2.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
      10.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 10.3.1 China
      2. 10.3.2 Japan
      3. 10.3.3 India
      4. 10.3.4 South Korea
      5. 10.3.5 Australia & New Zealand
      6. 10.3.6 ASEAN
    2. 10.4 Asia-Pacific Chitosan Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 10.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 10.6 Asia-Pacific Chitosan Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 10.6.1 Company 1 (China)
      2. 10.6.2 Company 2 (Japan)
      3. 10.6.3 Company 3 (Japan)
    11. Latin America Chitosan Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 11.1 By Grade: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.1.1 Industrial Grade
      2. 11.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. 11.1.3 Food Grade
      4. 11.1.4 Cosmetic Grade
      11.2 By Application: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.2.1 Water Treatment
      2. 11.2.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
      3. 11.2.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
      4. 11.2.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
      5. 11.2.5 Food & Beverage
      6. 11.2.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
      11.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 11.3.1 Brazil
      2. 11.3.2 Mexico
      3. 11.3.3 Argentina
      4. 11.3.4 Peru
      5. 11.3.5 Colombia
      6. 11.3.6 Rest of Latin America
    2. 11.4 Latin America Chitosan Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 11.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 11.6 Latin America Chitosan Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 11.6.1 Company 1 (Brazil)
      2. 11.6.2 Company 2 (Mexico)
      3. 11.6.3 Company 3 (Mexico)
    12. Middle East and Africa Chitosan Market Analysis, 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 (Market Value, In USD Mn)
    1. 12.1 By Grade: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.1.1 Industrial Grade
      2. 12.1.2 Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. 12.1.3 Food Grade
      4. 12.1.4 Cosmetic Grade
      12.2 By Application: Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.2.1 Water Treatment
      2. 12.2.2 Pharmaceuticals (Drug Delivery, Wound Healing)
      3. 12.2.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care
      4. 12.2.4 Agriculture (Seed Coating, Fertilizers)
      5. 12.2.5 Food & Beverage
      6. 12.2.6 Others (Biomedical Devices, Bioplastics)
      12.3 Country Analysis 2019 - 2023 and Forecast, 2024 - 2031 by Market Assessment (USD Mn), Yearly Growth Rate (%), and Market Presence (%)
      1. 12.3.1 Saudi Arabia
      2. 12.3.2 UAE
      3. 12.3.3 South Africa
      4. 12.3.4 Egypt
      5. 12.3.5 Israel
      6. 12.3.6 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    2. 12.4 Middle East and Africa Chitosan Market – Opportunity Analysis Index, By Grade:, By Application:, and Country, 2024 - 2031
    3. 12.5 Regional Trends Analysis
    4. 12.6 Middle East and Africa Chitosan Market Research Report - Company Profiles
      1. 12.6.1 Company 1 (Saudi Arabia)
      2. 12.6.2 Company 2 (UAE)
      3. 12.6.3 Company 3 (UAE)
    13. Competition Landscape
    1. 13.1 Strategic Dashboard of Top Market Players
    2. 13.2 Company Profiles (Introduction, Financial Assessments, Portfolio of Offerings, Milestones and Achievements, Strategic Initiative, and SWOT Analysis)
      1. 13.2.1 Primex EHF
      2. 13.2.2 Heppe Medical Chitosan GmbH
      3. 13.2.3 Kitozyme S.A.
      4. 13.2.4 BIO21 Co. Ltd.
      5. 13.2.5 Qingdao Yunzhou Biochemistry Co. Ltd.
      6. 13.2.6 Zhejiang Aoxing Biotechnology Co. Ltd.
      7. 13.2.7 Golden-Shell Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd.
      8. 13.2.8 FMC Health and Nutrition
      9. 13.2.9 Panvo Organics Pvt. Ltd.
      10. 13.2.10 Advanced Biopolymers AS
      11. 13.2.11 Meron Biopolymers
      12. 13.2.12 NovaMatrix
      13. 13.2.13 Tidal Vision Products Inc.
      14. 13.2.14 Vietnam Food Joint Stock Company (VNF)
      15. 13.2.15 G.T.C. Bio Corporation.
  1. 14. Data Collection Method and Research Approach
  2. 15. Principal Presumptions and Acronyms